North Pacific 43 owners questions

[Aroadracer]

I’m considering my first trawler purchase as a NP43 and I’m wondering if these boats are suitable for single handing some of the time. The boat I’m looking at is a 2010 with both bow and stern thrusters. I realize that Experience is the main factor here - I plan to get captain training- an insurance requirement as well, but other than that, are these boats reasonably manageable by one person?

 

[ktdtx]

I think a 43' NP would be fine for single handling. And if you will be alone most of the time there are a few companies who make similar remotes that let you maneuver the boat from different positions on the boat. I never had one but always wanted one.

Yacht Controller - Handheld Wireless Control for Your Yacht

 

[dhays]

I single hand my NP43. I just spent 3 days on the boat solo and got back yesterday after and docked solo during some rain squalls.

I don't think I the NP is ideal for singlehanding. However, I rarely have had problems. I do have both bow and stern thrusters which definitely help. I think the key for me it to plan all maneuvers as is I didn't have thrusters and then use them to "fine tune" or to help with the unexpected. My home dock is in a harbor where the wind is notorious for shifting in seeming random ways.

I met one NP owner that has singlehanded his NP42 for years in BC. I also spoke to a woman who owns a NP43 with her husband in Annapolis. They don't have any issues despite her having lost her legs.

I use a Fender Step to get on and off the boat outside the pilothouse door. It is a high step so it would be hard for some folks to do. If you aren't able or comfortable with making that step, then I would not recommend trying to singlehand unless you normally frequent marinas that have dock assistants. Something that is all but unheard of in Puget Sound. I will try and post a picture.

 

[Aroadracer]

Thanks Dave, I am 6’1” and long legs so I might be able to do that. I will be on the east coast so lots of help I hear.

 

[Aroadracer]

Dave, another question. Do you experience any chine slap in your 43?

 

[dhays]

Dave, another question. Do you experience any chine slap in your 43?

Yes.

Most of the time it isn't much of an issue. I spent 2 nights at anchor with moderate breeze. The chine slap wasn't enough to bother me sleeping in the forward cabin.

A few times we have been in conditions where it has been very noticable, just the right combo of wind and current. In those times I found that adjusting my anchor bridle to be asymmetric helped reduce it dramatically.

 

[SteveK]

@Aroadracer. First trawler, what exactly does that mean? First power boat, first boat?
Yes a boat can be singlehanded, I do it often when there are more than 2 onboard. Yes, experience helps. Anyone can drive from A to B, it is docking and undocking that requires skill. It can managed by years of experience, instinct or by training. You have ruled out years & instinct, so training it will be.

 

[Aroadracer]

Steve, I have owned bow rider boats most of my adult life - 23’ or less, but the jump to 43’ is Big! I think I have good instincts but as you state, training is key.
Pilothouse doors on either side should be a big plus for single handing but lack of full walk around decks like a KK42 is my concern. I’m just trying to get constructive input before pulling the trigger (or jumping off the cliff) on the NP43. Thanks!

 

[jimdavi]

Yes.

Most of the time it isn't much of an issue. I spent 2 nights at anchor with moderate breeze. The chine slap wasn't enough to bother me sleeping in the forward cabin.

A few times we have been in conditions where it has been very noticable, just the right combo of wind and current. In those times I found that adjusting my anchor bridle to be asymmetric helped reduce it dramatically.

This was fixed on the 45. I have zero chine slap.

 

[dhays]

This was fixed on the 45. I have zero chine slap.

The 45' is a very, very nice boat.

 

[Snapdragon III]

I don't have any first hand experience on NP 43's, but am familiar with them from the boat shows, and several at my marina. They look sweet, and I would not hesitate to single hand one. As long as you don't have bad knees, or something that make getting on and off it a challenge, I think it will work out great for you.

The wiring on Bow and stern thruster controls is very simple. If you are a little handy it would be very easy to build a home made wired version of a Yacht controller remote for them that you could step off onto the dock with. It would probably cost you $300 vs $15K for a Yacht controller. If I had bow and stern thrusters, I would do it for my boat. It would make things less stressful when it's really windy.

 

[dhays]

FWIW, I do have a remote for my thrusters. It is bouncing around in a drawer in the PH with a dead battery. I just found that I very rarely ever used it, even when single handing.

Yesterday I came back to my slip solo with some rather annoying wind gusts coming from a bad direction. It made solo docking a bit of a challenge but wasn't really a big deal.